WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL NUTRITION?

Functional Nutrition emphasizes high quality, nutrient dense food that is diverse in phytonutrients to address clinical imbalances to move individuals toward their optimal level of health and away from the state of disease.

Functional Nutrition is an emerging speciality within the field of nutrition. The food we eat gives our bodies the information and materials we need to function properly. If we don’t get the right information, our bodies suffer and our health declines. In some case, even the wrong set of “instructions” can lead to inflammation, malnourishment and the increased risk for the development of chronic diseases and conditions.

In short the quality of the food we eat is central to the quality of our health.

Our approach goes beyond treating symptoms and is based on a partnership between you and the practitioner. It starts even before the initial consultation with an understanding of your unique biochemical and lifestyle factors which are evaluated by the through an extensive intake history.

WHY DO WE NEEDFUNCTIONAL NUTRITION?

Chronic diseases are ongoing conditions that are preventable and treatable with diet, exercise, and therapy. Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States with 133 million Americans – 45% of the population – having at least one chronic disease. Chronic diseases are responsible for 7 out of every 10 deaths in the U.S., killing more than 1.7 million Americans every year. Source.

Here are some statistics on the annual impact of chronic diseases on our health care system:

81%

OF HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS

91%

OF PRESCRIPTIONS FILLED

76%

OF PHYSICIAN VISITS

Our Approach

Now, more than ever, we have an abundance of health-related information at our fingertips – endless internet search options, online summits, podcasts, e-learning courses, local community events, books, magazines, and more. However, most people are overwhelmed and tired of the “trial and error” approach that often leads to short- term results or poor results altogether. It’s like having access to all the answers you need, but still being confused about which answers are right for you.

We all need an expert guide.

Our role is to look at your entire story (your health history, including any previous lab results if you have them) and connect the dots about your current state of health. Functional Diagnostic Nutrition ® is a type of detective work that identifies the underlying and conditions that cause disease instead of treating symptoms. Using functional lab work (when necessary), we recognize patterns of imbalance in the body and healing opportunities. My team and I work collaboratively on each case, and with each client, in a health building process. In other words, if you are not feeling well and the plan (or lack there of) you have implemented is not working for you, then it’s time to uncover what needs to happen.

Let's Get Started

It would be our pleasure to support you.

Our initial 60-75 minute consultations are quite comprehensive. Everything is taken into consideration. For your convenience (and our sanity) all of the intake/health history forms, scheduling and payments are done online.

When you book your consultation you reserve your spot with a credit card but you are not charged the consultation fee, which is $275, until the day of your appt. We always review your paperwork, including any lab tests, etc. prior to your appointment so we are fully prepared on the day of your appointment. Your initial consultation will be with Kathleen and often includes a member of the team (with your consent) that is assigned to your case. We are structured as a teaching/mentorship practice and work collaboratively to bring solutions to our clients. In certain cases, other practitioners may be assigned to you – this is based on availability of the practitioners and complexity of the case. However, Kathleen oversees all cases and mentors every member of the team.

Due to the volume of people needing help, the nature of our consulting service and for your scheduling convenience, all sessions are now by phone.

Meet the Team

More than anything, we are educators. It’s not our job to heal you. You can heal yourself.

What’s missing from the current medical, integrative, and holistic model(s) of care is education – personalized education – about what’s happening in your body. If you have to rely on a practitioner to “keep you well” then you have not achieved optimal health. “Managing” chronic disease with supplements instead of pharmaceutical medications is still disease management. A lifetime of highly restrictive diets is not healing. True healing is possible when you know how to listen to the language of your body and how to identify what needs to be done to remedy what ails you.

We’ve done our job well when you feel in control of your own health.

Most people that come to us are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, allergies, chronic digestive issues, skin conditions, autism spectrum disorders, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue or have “seen everyone and tried everything.”

Our practice is primarily focused on functional nutrition (“food as medicine”). While Kathleen’s training is diverse and includes functional medicine, immunology, biochemistry, the microbiome, specialized diets, herbs, and basic homeopathy, she also personally mentors her health coaches on each case and allow them to contribute their unique expertise. We use the most innovative and advanced lab testing (when needed), along with a personalized approach grounded in nutrition, lifestyle and natural therapies to get you the relief you deserve and a approach that builds long lasting health and resilience.

Kathleen DiChiara

Functional Nutrition Practitioner

Kathleen DiChiara is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition ® Practitioner, Integrative Health & Nutrition Coach, Bio-Individual Nutrition Practitioner, Nutrition Educator and Author of the bestselling book, The Hidden Connection. She received specialized training in the biochemistry and specialized diets for autism, allergies, autoimmune and other chronic conditions and is a professionally trained chef. Kathleen is currently studying cell biology and the mitochondria.

Kathleen works with clients all over the world and lectures frequently, both locally and nationally, on nutrition and its influence on conditions like Autism/ADHD, Autoimmunity, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Gastrointestinal Imbalances, Chronic Diseases. She also lectures on the connection between nutrition and the microbiome, including how to harness the intelligence of our microbes as part of our healing process.

Hannah Campbell

Health Coach

Hannah earned her BS in Nutrition and Health from Kansas State University. Since then, she has spent countless hours in self-led research and study into root cause medicine, functional foods, and stress management. She also writes articles about various health topics, and works remotely as a health coach for a functional medicine clinic on a part time basis. As a health coach (and foodie!), her passion is to help people create health for themselves by guiding them to the root of their health issues, while offering support and accountability along the way. She believes that the foundations of health - whole food, quality sleep, movement, and self-care - are all crucial for living your best life, and that the whole person and their lifestyle should always be considered at the foundations for health and healing.

Shelly Bergeron

Project Manager

Shelly is a passionate advocate for all matters of holistic health. She entered the world of health research and advocacy almost ten years ago, after her youngest son was diagnosed with autism, severe apraxia and motor coordination disorder. She is an active volunteer with TACA (Talk About Curing Autism) as a parent mentor and meet-up host. She also teaches workshops on reducing toxic chemicals in the home environments by switching to safer, natural products. Shelly also holds a certification as an Essential Oils Coach, which allows her search as a great resource for natural remedies to everyday ailments. Prior to her volunteer work and dedication to transforming the health of her family, Shelly worked in the field of imaging and software development.